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==History==
==History==
The site of Charleston was originally a "prairie"--an open field slightly higher in elevation than the surrounding swampland of southeast Missouri. As settlers moved west across the [[Mississippi River]] in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, they were drawn to such prairies as locations to farm. This particular spot, known variously as Matthews Prairie or Charles Prairie, started to attract settlers soon after 1800.
The site of Charleston was originally a "prairie"—an open field slightly higher in elevation than the surrounding swampland of southeast Missouri. As settlers moved west across the [[Mississippi River]] in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, they were drawn to such prairies as locations to farm. This particular spot, known variously as Matthews Prairie or Charles Prairie, started to attract settlers soon after 1800.
A community first appeared in 1830, with the building of a small log house by one Humphrey Warren; his property was soon bought by Thankful Randol, who later operated a hotel in town. Stores and other businesses followed, and in 1837 Charleston was laid out as twelve blocks on sixteen acres of land.
A community first appeared in 1830, with the building of a small log house by one Humphrey Warren; his property was soon bought by Thankful Randol, who later operated a hotel in town. Stores and other businesses followed, and in 1837 Charleston was laid out as twelve blocks on sixteen acres of land.